Finding the best in luxury can be a daunting task, which is why we’ve taken it on for you. Here you’ll find an eclectic list of superior products, people and places - the best of luxury living. From the world’s best beaches to top of the line fragrances, home appliances and glorious runway models, we have compiled our favorites to share with you. On each list you will find brands that have stood the test of time, names that have gained notoriety through elegant design and exquisite quality; as well as some worthy new additions we know you’ll love. Welcome to the The Best Of, a guide for the discerning client with refined taste.
Renowned Australian industrial designer Marc Newson has collaborated once again with Dom Pérignon to create a special carrying case / cooler for the famed French champagne house. The Black Box by Marc Newson is crafted of a high-tech composite that keeps a chilled bottle of bubbly perfectly cool during traveling, while resisting wear and tear. Priced at €200 or about $285 the case is unfortunately not yet available in the U.S.
Complex magazine has given you a guide to champagne shopping. How to pick the best “bubbly” for your needs. BTW, my birthday is coming up on January 18th, so feel free to buy me a bottle!!!
This watch has to have one of the most detailed Chopard watch cases I have ever seen. The image here doesn’t do this fact justice, but look at the sides and rear of the watch and you get a visual treat. This limited edition of just 500 pieces 18kt gold watch steps both forward and back with a refreshing look at the Chopard racing chronograph watch line. Case size is about 48mm wide (big for the brand!) by 15mm thick. It is water resistant to 100 meters.
Likely the brand’s more popular collection are the Mille Miglia watches. The nomenclature burst open a bit so that the Mille Miglia name isn’t applied to all of their racing themed watches, but fans “in the know” understand the heritage. One of the most fun elements is the gold three spoke racing steering wheel that is placed on the side of the rubber coated crown. The sides of the case are all nicely milled and cut with an interesting horizontal striping. The large screw columns intentionally protrude a bit giving it a very technical feel. The crown guard and rubberized integrated chronograph pushers are nicely done in a unique style. The black on rose gold tones are extremely contemporary.
Chopard never lets down with the dials on its racing watches. The hands (in gold) are always large and have a high contrast with the dial. Three overlapping chronograph subdials are subdued, but legible. The dial itself enjoys a vertical pattering which is new to the collection, while the minute marker scaled chapter ring is futuristic and retro at the same time. Inside the watch is a base ETA automatic chronograph movement that has been COSC Chronometer certified. Lastly, no Chopard racing watch would be complete without the requisite Dunlop tire tread rubber strap. Price is about $24,000.
Nothing compares to the perfect pairing of champagne and a cigar. Too often, cigars wind up with dark liquors, their natural partners. Rum, port, scotch and cognac are the norm for an after-dinner smoke — not champagne. With the holiday season coming, of course, the preferred beverage will likely bubble, so finding the right cigars for the top libation will be crucial.
Fortunately, Vin Lee, CEO of the Beverly Hills Cigar Club, has agreed to help us out. As you prepare for the new year, take a look at the cigar and champagne pairings that he recommends, with both ubiquitous and rare products on the list. Lee says, “In this day and age, not everyone can afford a $50 cigar and a $300 bottle of champagne,” said Lee. “Complementing a wonderful glass of champagne with a great cigar for the holidays is something everyone should be able to enjoy.”
When Jordan Brand makes its long-awaited release of the Air Jordan 2010 in February to commemorate the popular line’s 25th anniversary, Wade will debut the shoe. Hand-picked for the role by Michael Jordan himself, the Miami Heat guard called it “a huge honor.”
“I was in awe, because I know what it means to not only be a part of Jordan Brand but really represent Michael on the court in the shoe he would wear,” Wade told The Associated Press. “Very excited, to say the least.”
The shoe will be launched nationwide Feb. 13 and will carry a retail price of $170. That coincides with All-Star weekend near Dallas and is four days before Jordan’s 47th birthday. It’s unknown if Wade will wear the shoe beforehand, say in Miami’s marquee Christmas Day game at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks.
“Sometimes you have to pass the torch. … He epitomizes what the brand represents,” Jordan said Wednesday night, when the arrangement was formally announced. “Being a player from our home community of Chicago, he has won championships already, his work ethic … those is are all things that I feel like represent the brand. I think we can build a great relationship.”
AIR JORDANS BEEN FELL OFF IN MY BOOK…
